Artwork
Pantalon noir à motif rouge sur le côté et le bas de la jambe
Pantalon noir à motif rouge sur le côté et le bas de la jambe is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1963, this image by the French fashion house Carven is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a rear‑view figure dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers marked by a striking red stripe that runs along the side and down the lower leg.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on a solitary individual seen from behind, their head covered with a modest scarf and elbows bent, suggesting a moment of pause or contemplation. The contrast between the muted monochrome palette and the vivid red accent draws attention to the garment’s design rather than the wearer’s identity.
Technique & Style
Rendered in black‑and‑white line work, the image relies on clean, precise contours to define form, while the red motif is introduced as a single splash of color. The minimal detailing and flat treatment reflect a graphic aesthetic common in mid‑century fashion illustrations, emphasizing silhouette over texture.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Carven, a label known for elegant ready‑to‑wear in the post‑war era, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of its broader acquisition of fashion‑related visual culture. Its dating to the early 1960s places it within a period of growing interest in documenting contemporary dress.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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